Little Novels of Sicily, by Giovanni Verga

I wind down my literary investigation into Sicilian culture with this gem by Giovanni Verga, translated into English by D.H. Lawrence. 

These stark stories reveal the reality of many, perhaps most, Sicilians over that island’s long, dramatic history. 

They remind me that I will experience a far more opulent version of Sicily than most of its people. 

These stories reveal an enduring truth, that in the face of great beauty, life can be dark and difficult. 

Sicily: A Literary Guide for Travelers

I feel like I've discovered a little bit of treasure with this book and it's broader series.

In preparation for our last few trips I've been reading more and more non-history books about the places we are about to visit, including a dose of fiction.  It's been a new way for me to dive deeper into the cultures we visit.

This book uncovers dozens, if not hundreds, of such books for me to explore around Sicily, going region by region, chapter by chapter.  Some of the references were from books I had previously read (by Durrell, Sameti, Lampedusa), some were by authors I know of but have never read (Goethe, Capote, Camilleri), and many were completely unknow to me.

My only regret is that I didn't discover this book earlier in my preparation for our upcoming trip to Sicily (5 days from now!).  To avoid such a calamity in the future, I've already downloaded the series' book on Greece, even though we don't know when our next trip there will take place.

Treasure, indeed!

The Story of the Stone - Volume 2 - Cao Xueqin

Nothing new to add since finishing volume 1, except that I stumbled across The Companion to the Story of the Stone by Susan Chan Egan and Pai Hsien-yung, which I am diligently following.

This chapter by chapter preview and analysis, as anticipated, is really helping me understand the larger story, as well as identifying details that I would have otherwise missed.  It is proving to be immensely helpful.

I'm feeling confident about working my way through the entire series of novels, and I'm not feeling rushed about it.

The Sicilian Carousel by Lawrence Durrell

This was my favorite book by Durrell that I've read so far, probably because it covers a topic I've been researching quite a lot over the last year.  The Sicilian Carousel refers to a trip he took around Sicily in the 1970s, on an itinerary that greatly mirrors our itinerary for this coming Fall.

More than just a travelogue, the book details the quirks of group travel, highlighting the foibles and eccentricities of Durrell's fellow travelers.  

And poignantly it also includes letters written by his late friend Martine, who lived in Sicily for many years.  She had urged Durrell to visit her there many times, unsuccessfully.  He brings her letters with him, often re-reading them from the same spots from which she had written them many years prior.

There's something about Lawrence Durrell's writing that intrigues me.  And this book was no exception.

The Story of the Stone - Volume 1 - Cao Xueqin

This first volume of a five volume series - largely described as the most renowned novel in Chinese history - continues my exploration of Chinese culture.

At times the story seems fantastically original, at times somewhere between Bridgerton and Harry Potter.

Comparisons aside, I'm enjoying it immensely.

We'll see if I make it all of the way through the series in advance of our trip next year, but so far I've thoroughly enjoyed this particular dive into the Chinese experience.

The Banished Immortal: A Life of Li Bai

This book really underscores how China's culture differs widely from Western culture.

It tells the story of Li Bai, one of the greatest Chinese poets of all time, who spent most of his life trying to become a senior government official or military leader.

The notion that poetry-writing acumen would provide the foundation needed to excel in leadership at the highest levels of government is jarring to Western minds, including mine.

I assume that this career path wouldn't float in China of the 21st century, but it was viewed as normal in the 8th century CE during the Tang dynasty.  Although Bai's career at nearly the highest level of government was short lived, and basically a failure, his poetic skills did get him there.

Anyhow, this book has provided a grassroots view of China at that time, detailing Bai's experiences at home with his family, traveling on the road, in inns, restaurants and temples, and yes, serving his emperor in Chang'an.

Shanghai Grand by Taras Grescoe

I continue my study of China with this fascinating book, an in depth review of Shanghai - the Paris of Asia in the years leading up to World War II. 

The book tells the story of Emily “Mickey” Hahn, an American writer, adventurer and flapper, who moves to Shanghai in 1935. 

It also features the story of Sir Victor Sassoon, a British tycoon from India, who builds an empire in Shanghai, including the Cathay Hotel, alluded to in the book’s title. 

In fact, the book tells the story of dozens more figures of intrigue, who each reflect the glamour, boldness, depravity and vivacity of 1930s Shanghai. 

This unique genre of storytelling - uncovering a unique time and place in history - through mini biographies of its peoples - intrigues me. It’s a wonderful way to tell history. 

China is a massive subject no matter how you reckon it. But I’m starting to get my hooks into it with books like this.